Five Years of Ultralight Wisdom: A Gear Retrospective from Nate Pipenberg

Published September 7, 2026 06:56AM

After five years dedicated to scrutinizing the lightest and most innovative gear for Backpacker Magazine, Nate Pipenberg is embarking on a new adventure, marking the end of his tenure as the publication’s esteemed ultralight columnist. Throughout his tenure, Pipenberg has been a leading voice in the ultralight community, dissecting everything from the cutting-edge advancements in fabric technology, such as the burgeoning potential of TecnoWool, to the revolutionary reimagining of backpack design, exemplified by radical new concepts like the body-hugging "Body Pack" from Aarn. As he prepares to hang up his editorial hat, Pipenberg offers a comprehensive and candid look back at his extensive experience, sharing his curated list of ultralight gear that not only stands the test of time but is genuinely worth the investment, alongside a discerning critique of items that ultimately fell short of their promises. This final, invaluable piece distills half a decade of rigorous testing and research, providing backpackers with a clear roadmap to making informed purchasing decisions in the ever-evolving world of lightweight equipment.

In a reflective moment captured during a brief evening hike, Pipenberg acknowledged the bittersweet nature of his departure. "Tomorrow, I’m writing my final installment of my ultralight column for Backpacker Magazine," he shared, his voice tinged with a mixture of nostalgia and anticipation. "I’m Nate Pipenberg, and I have been Backpacker Magazine‘s ultralight columnist for the past five years or so, and I’ve had a great time doing it." This concluding piece, he explained, would forgo elaborate prose in favor of a topic dear to the heart of every ultralight enthusiast: gear.

Over his five-year stretch as Backpacker‘s dedicated gear expert, Pipenberg gained unparalleled access to a vast array of products, from the most compact sleeping bags and ultralight sleeping pads to cutting-edge tents and innovative backpacks. He has meticulously tested and evaluated dozens, if not hundreds, of items, gaining an intimate understanding of what truly enhances the backpacking experience and what merely adds unnecessary weight and complexity. For his farewell column, Pipenberg decided to distill this wealth of knowledge into a practical guide, highlighting the gear he wholeheartedly recommends and the items he advises backpackers to bypass, even if they carry a premium price tag or boast impressive specifications. "So, when I get off trail and go back home, I’m going to sit down and walk you through some of my favorite pieces of gear," he promised, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of his most trusted companions on the trail.

One category of gear that has seen significant innovation and that Pipenberg champions is the frameless backpack, particularly those incorporating vest-style straps. He elaborated on the evolution of these packs, noting that even hybrid designs, which may not feature fully integrated vest straps, can offer substantial benefits. The key, he emphasized, lies in the construction of the strap system, specifically the widening of the strap’s base. "With a pack like this, the load of your backpack really is spread across your back, your shoulders, and your chest, instead of just creating pressure points on your shoulders," Pipenberg explained. This load distribution dramatically enhances comfort, especially for those who prefer to forgo a hip belt. The freedom of movement and the absence of the restrictive feeling often associated with hip belts are significant advantages for many ultralight hikers. When carrying a lighter load, these frameless, vest-style packs, Pipenberg asserts, are exceptionally comfortable and liberating.

However, Pipenberg’s enthusiasm for innovative backpack design is tempered by a strong cautionary note regarding certain high-tech composite fabrics. He explicitly advises against investing in backpacks constructed from materials like Dyneema or "Graphite" fabrics. This skepticism extends to other gear made from similar advanced composites, including Dyneema tents and various stuff sacks or accessories. While these materials are often marketed for their exceptional strength, Pipenberg’s experience suggests that they frequently come with significant drawbacks. He cited issues such as delamination, where the layers of the fabric begin to separate, and, in the case of Dyneema tents, a paradoxical fragility. Despite their purported strength, the extreme thinness and lightness of these fabrics can render them susceptible to damage, undermining their durability. For backpacks, Pipenberg champions more traditional, yet highly effective, materials. He expresses a strong preference for simple ripstop or Robic nylon, highlighting the Gossamer Gear Skala 38 as an example of a pack utilizing these reliable fabrics.

Moving beyond backpacks, Pipenberg tackles the often-expensive realm of rain gear with a pragmatic approach. For years, he relied on the budget-friendly Frogg Toggs ultralight jacket, a testament to the fact that effective rain protection doesn’t always require a hefty price tag. However, his perspective has evolved with the discovery of the Showers Pass Cloudburst jacket. Despite its $260 price tag and a weight of 10 ounces, Pipenberg finds himself a staunch advocate. He readily admits that these statistics might not immediately scream "ultralight" or "bargain," but he argues that the jacket’s unique characteristics justify its inclusion in an ultralight kit. The standout feature is its inherent stretchiness, a rare quality in ultralight rain shells. This stretch contributes to a remarkably quiet garment, a significant improvement over the often-noisy rustling of traditional waterproof fabrics. Furthermore, Pipenberg reports that the Cloudburst is exceptionally comfortable and, crucially, highly breathable, a vital attribute for any rain gear, especially in warmer conditions where perspiration can become a major discomfort. He even finds himself reaching for the Cloudburst as an additional warm layer on dry days, noting that when paired with active insulation, it effectively functions as an ideal softshell jacket, providing wind and water resistance without sacrificing comfort or breathability.

Pipenberg’s general philosophy on hiking-specific clothing is one of caution. He suggests that for most backpackers, standard athletic wear made from nylon, polyester, or wool will suffice for hiking endeavors. "Gym shorts, running tops, wool sweaters, they all work great," he states, advocating for a more utilitarian approach to apparel. However, he concedes that there is one specific category of hiking-specific clothing that warrants consideration: active insulation layers. His top recommendation in this niche is gear made from Alpha Direct or TecnoWool. He specifically praises the TecnoWool crewneck from FarPointe Outdoor Gear as his "absolute favorite active insulation layer." Pipenberg describes its performance as "almost like magic," marveling at its ability to provide significant warmth while remaining exceptionally breathable. He elaborates on the synergistic relationship between such an insulation layer and a wind shell, or in his case, a rain shell used for wind protection. This combination, he argues, offers remarkable versatility in tackling a wide range of wet, rainy, and windy conditions with minimal weight penalty.

When it comes to sleeping comfort, Pipenberg offers a clear recommendation for a winter sleeping pad, specifically endorsing the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT. His rationale is built on three core pillars: durability, warmth, and cost-effectiveness. He points out that among popular mainstream inflatable pads, the XTherm boasts the most robust floor construction, featuring a 70-denier nylon material, significantly more durable than the 20, 30, or 40-denier options common in other ultralight pads. The second crucial factor is its exceptional warmth, with an R-value of 7.3, making it a truly four-season, winter-ready sleeping pad. However, the most compelling reason, according to Pipenberg, is the economic argument. He contends that there is "really no good reason not to" invest in a winter-rated pad. While the XTherm might be a few ounces heavier than summer-focused pads like the NeoAir XLite, the Rab Ultrasphere 5.5, or the Exped Ultra 6.5R, this marginal weight increase is a small price to pay for the enhanced durability and year-round usability. Pipenberg asserts that using a winter pad in the summer does not lead to overheating, as the reflective insulation doesn’t function in the same manner during warmer months. By purchasing a single, high-quality winter pad, backpackers can avoid the substantial cost of buying separate pads for winter and summer use, potentially saving hundreds of dollars.

Finally, Pipenberg’s ultimate splurge recommendation for any aspiring ultralight backpacker with the financial means is a true summer-weight sleeping quilt. He extols their virtues, describing them as "incredibly light" and capable of packing down to remarkably small sizes. The transition to a summer quilt, he notes, makes it "pretty hard to go back" to heavier sleeping bags. He showcases the Cumulus Neo Quilt 150 as a prime example, describing it as the lightest option offered by the brand. The impact on pack weight is substantial, as Pipenberg observes, "it really is amazing, you know, how much smaller and lighter your pack can be when you’re not lugging around a 15 or 20-degree sleeping bag." Beyond the weight savings, he highlights the comfort benefit of not waking up in a sweat due to excessive insulation during warm summer nights.

In conclusion, Nate Pipenberg’s final dispatch from the ultralight frontier offers a treasure trove of hard-won wisdom. His five years of dedicated testing at Backpacker Magazine have equipped him with an expert eye for what truly enhances the backpacking experience and what can be safely left behind. His curated selection of recommended gear, from innovative frameless backpacks to the unparalleled warmth of winter sleeping pads and the feather-light comfort of summer quilts, represents a commitment to practical, performance-driven equipment. Equally valuable are his candid critiques of items that fail to deliver on their promises, particularly those made from advanced composite fabrics that often come with unforeseen compromises. Pipenberg’s farewell is not just a review of gear; it’s a distillation of experience, a guide for backpackers seeking to lighten their loads without sacrificing comfort, durability, or the sheer joy of being in the wilderness.